Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

10:14

'Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe' (Lord, if I have only you) is a sacred vocal work composed by the German-Danish composer Dietrich Buxtehude. The piece is also known as BuxWV 39, and it is one of Buxtehude's most famous vocal works. The composition date of 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe' is uncertain, but it is believed to have been composed in the late 17th century. The piece is written for a solo voice accompanied by basso continuo, which consists of a bass instrument (such as a cello or bassoon) and a keyboard instrument (such as an organ or harpsichord). The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a recitative, which is a type of singing that is closer to speech than melody. The second movement is an aria, which is a more melodic and expressive type of singing. The third movement is a chorale, which is a hymn-like section that is often sung by a choir. The text of 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe' is based on Psalm 73:25-26, which reads: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The text is a meditation on the idea that God is the only true source of happiness and fulfillment in life. The music of 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe' is characterized by its simplicity and directness. Buxtehude's use of recitative and aria form allows the text to be conveyed clearly and effectively, while the chorale section provides a sense of communal worship and praise. The basso continuo accompaniment is also relatively simple, allowing the focus to remain on the vocal line. 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe' was likely premiered in a church setting, as it was composed for use in Lutheran worship services. The piece remains a popular choice for church choirs and soloists today, and it is considered a masterpiece of Baroque sacred music.

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